Dodge Dakota ForumDodge Dakota PhotosDodgeDakota.net Membership
  Forums   Forum Tools
18:10:53 - 03/28/2024

Dakota Performance
FromMessage
anthony b.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/03/2003
09:53:29

Subject: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
i just bought an '02 r/t club cab,its all stock,and the performance seems a little weak on the street.its shifts itself at only 4500rpm when im on it,and the rev limit kicks in at about 5200rpm,are these normal?id like to dip into mid 14s in the quarter without voiding my warranty,any suggestions?
thanks.



slow r/t man
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


3/03/2003
10:28:59

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
I have a 99 CC R/T and I can tell you what has and has not worked for me. High flow throttle body made the biggest noticeable gain. there are many on the market. K&N cold air kit made a big difference in performace and MPG. it was $210.00
Mopar computer was a big gain as well $250.00 I think. Headers/High flow cat/Flowmaster 3" muffler did not make that much of a gain and I have about 600 invested in it. No need for headers on a mostly stock truck. Harland sharp has a set a DROP IN replacment 1.7 roller rockers you may want to try. hope this helps. BTW My best ET is 14.9 on stock tires 1/2 tank of gas and leaving the trans in drive. pretty dissapointing .



MikeE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


3/03/2003
16:57:32

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
Take a look at my web site and see what I have. You can get some ideas from my mods. Plus, take a look at my drag strip runs.

http://www.t-bolt.org/Mike/_pages/dodge/mods.htm

MikeE



anthony b.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/03/2003
17:01:51

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
ive heard that the flowmaster kits werent really all that great,but i want exhaust first.the first owner put a damn glasspack on it and that really needs to go.have you heard any good exhaust tips?also,are you talking about the whole new computer that they sell at jegs.com,because i was seriously thinking about that next.im really disappointed because i got beat by a buddy of mine with a 2000 fullsize ext. cab chevy.and all he has done to it is exhaust and a reprogrammer.ill look into the new throttle body too.and ive got a buddy that totaled his ram and has a brand new set of those roller rockers,so i was gonna use them.
thanks.



darcy
GenIII
 User Profile


3/04/2003
17:29:58

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
MikeE that SpinTech exhaust look sweet! Nice truck man. Would you recommend that cat-back system? How is the sound? I've got a FlowMaster 40 on right now, is it going to be comparable?

2002 Dakota Sport 4.7 V8 Club Cab

MikeE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


3/04/2003
20:22:45

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
Darcy, I love the SpinTech setup. It has a very deep sound to it. I had the Flowmaster 40 before this and I didn't like the flowmaster because of the cab noise. The spinTech has no cab drowninig at all.

MikeE



darcy
GenIII
 User Profile


3/04/2003
20:29:20

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
Thanks Mike, I'm gonna consider that one when I get my exhaust done, I love the look of the side exit, but I also love the look of the regular old dual rear side swept pipes... I'll have to think about it...

2002 Dakota Sport 4.7 V8 Club Cab

Ginther
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/05/2003
00:52:24

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
I too have a 2002 CC R/T. I wasn't impressed with it stock power either, so I feel your pain bro! LOL!!

As you know, we are SOL as far a PCM options. The B&F flash works (if you get the M1 flash, not the non-M1 flash - it sucks - ask txlawdawg) BUT..... It's around $600+ for that flash OUCH!!!

Here is what I've done to mine. I used to run 15.4's all day. All I had done then was a Magnaflow muffer, home made PVC intake tube and K&N filter, 180* t-stat, Autolite 3923's - Ya know, the basic, low money mods that really don't make a whole lot of a difference.

I finally decided to spend some cash and do a REAL mod - Mopar headers. I also deleted all three cats and run a dual simm box for the o2 sensors. This may not be an option for you depending on emmisons/inspection and your concern about warranty. But that's a whole other argument/discussion.

Mopar headers and the y-pipe they came with, 3" single exhaust, not cats, into a 3" in/out Dynomax Super Turbo muffler.

I went from running a 15.4 @88mph all day, everyday to running consistant 14.6xx's, and a best of 14.62 @ 93mph. So close to a 14.5 LOL!!

So, for the price and pain they were to install, I'd say they were worth it. I mean I dropped 8 tenths off my ET!! And it's much more fun on the street too.

As far as your times - alot depends on where you are, track elevation, temps, humidity, etc etc...
I'm in Houston TX and we have the fastest track on the planet - or so they claim.

A throttle body, M1 intake, and K&N FIPK are also good places to start. These engines are smothered in stock form. Let it breathe a little and they can really wake up.

On the warranty issue - That's up to you. My understanding is - the performance part/mod you install, has to be a direct cause of the failure you are trying to get fixed under warranty. Exhaust should not affect the warranty on the steering, AC, suspension, etc..

This can be argued all day, dealers can be a PITA! to deal with, but don't let that stop you from doing what you want to to YOUR truck.



anthony b.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/05/2003
14:43:03

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
you guys are being really helpful,thanks.ive decided to go with exhaust first.spintech is what im leaning towards,but has anyone ever heard of bassani exhaust?its really popular around here on mustangs and they made kits for 99 v8 dakotas.anyone ever heard anything good about them?after exhaust i think im buying one of those power programmers,then intake and throttle body.sound like a good idea?



HSKR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


3/05/2003
15:45:32

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
One word on the Bassani exhaust. EXPENSIVE!! You'd be better off getting the Spintech and saving some money for better performance mods like a ported TB, K&N FIPK, and 2bbl M1




anthony b
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/06/2003
11:49:59

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
point well taken HSKR,i just got a dealers price quote,and its over $1000 for a complete custom system from bassani!im thinkin i will go with spintech.and does anyone know whether or not hypertech is making a power programmer for 2002 dodge v8s?i havent seen them.and would it be a good idea to get the jet power control module?another question,where can i get the performance specs for 2002 R/T?
thanks.



Ginther
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/06/2003
15:51:52

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
No Hypertech for the 2002 yet, and the 2001 will not work on the 2002. Rumor has it that they will release the 2002 version soon. Whatever that means - 2 months? 6 months? a year? There are also rumors that some other PCM tuning options should be available soon, but nothing confirmed yet.

In the mean time, I'm doing bolt-ons and hoping for the best.



anthony b
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/07/2003
14:33:59

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
ok,another question,what is the top speed that stock 2002 r/t's are capable of.i took mine out on the highway and got it to 116mph then ran out of road,not rpms.speedo only reads 120.anyone?



Ginther
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/07/2003
15:26:50

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
I've been told the PCM limits it to approx 115mph.

Mine shut down right at that point, so I'd say that's right.



Joey
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


3/07/2003
16:16:21

RE: 2002 r/t performance
IP: Logged

Message:
I also have a 2002 r/t and got it up to 118 and the limiter cut in. its a regular cab.



   P 1


Post a reply to this message:

Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages


Name:
Email:
Notify me when I get a reply to my message:Yes  No

Icons:            

          

Subject:
Message:
 



Home | Forums | Members | Pictures | Contact Us

This site is in no way affiliated with Chrysler or any of its subsidiaries.